Hands-on with Nikon V2

Nikon announced two major products at this year's Photo Plus Expo tradeshow in New York - a new constant-aperture F4 70-200mm zoom for its range of DX and FX-format DSLRs, and the V2, which replaces the V1 as the flagship in Nikon's 1 System. The CX-format V2 features an all-new 14MP CMOS sensor and a built-in flash, a proper exposure mode dial (oh, happy day...) but retains the same innovative Hybrid AF system and 1.4 million-dot EVF as its predecessor.

We caught up with Nikon on the first morning of the show, and managed to get some time alone with its new high-end 1 series camera and 18.5mm F1.8 prime - the fastest lens in the system (making it equivalent to a 50mm lens in terms of field-of-view and F4.9 in terms of depth-of-field).

Our first impressions, seeing the camera 'in the flesh' for the first time, are that it isn't as ugly as it looks in photographs. Yes, it looks like a Sony NEX with mumps. But the lumps and bumps that characterize its external design are much less objectionable when you actually pick the camera up and start using it. We know this might be controversial, but we might actually prefer how the V2 looks compared to the V1...

This view shows the V2 without a lens mounted, and its 1" (13.2 x 8.8mm) CX sensor exposed for all the world to see. Much more businesslike in appearance than the J2 and even its predecessor the V1, the V2's lumps and bumps are functional, if not terribly attractive.

The protruding grip allows for an unusually firm hold (by MILC standards) and the faux-prism hump above the lens houses an EVF and a pop-up flash.

Another thing that isn't all that apparent from press photographs is how small the V2 is. We didn't have competitive mirrorless cameras nearby to compare it to directly, but it's about the same size as the Olympus PEN Mini, if you ignore the viewfinder hump. The view of the exposed 1-inch CX sensor, above, should give you some idea. In terms of how it feels in the hand, the V2 reminded us of a slightly miniaturized Sony NEX-7, more than anything else. The same super-thin body, similarly nice metal construction, and a deep, rubberized handgrip.

Other than the pronounced hump, the 14MP V2 is one of the smaller mirrorless ILCs. Our model has pretty dainty hands (and charming nail varnish) and as you can see from this view, the V2 isn't much of a handful, even for her.

Viewed from the back, the V2 is very different to its predecessor, The control layout has been overhauled, and enthusiasts will appreciate the exposure mode dial on the top-plate, and the control dial at upper-right.

The rear of the V2 is quite different from the V1, and actually, rather NEX-like as well. It's dominated by a large LCD screen and integrated control dial/four-way controller, but unlike many of its competitors, the V2's rear LCD screen is fixed rather than articulated. New to the V2 is the vertical strip of buttons on the left of the screen, replacing the dense cluster of control points which surround the 4-way controller on the V1.

The V1's rear-plate mode dial has been deleted completely, to be replaced by a 'proper' exposure mode dial, complete with PASM positions, which can be found on the top of the camera - exactly where an enthusiast would expect to find it. Even better than this, the V1's sharp little control toggle has also been removed, and replaced by a more traditional control dial.

The V2 is Nikon's most DSLR-like 1 System camera yet, and features about the most generously-proportioned hand grip that we can remember seeing outside of the realm of DSLRs.

The control layout of the V2 has been completely overhauled compared to its predecessor the V1. There's an exposure mode dial on the top, and to the right, a control dial which replaces the fiddly up/down toggle on the V1.

The V2 still has a proprietary 'multi accessory port' connector, limiting flash choice to the SB-N5 or new, more powerful, bounce-able SB-N7.

With the camera held to the eye, there's no novelty. The view is the same as you'll get through the EVF on the older V1, because it's the same viewfinder. That's no bad thing though. Although not class-leading, the 1.4 million dot display (800 x 600 RGB pixels) built into the V2 is bright, contrasty and detailed. There's a diopter wheel on the left, for those of us with less than perfect eyesight.

The model that we handled is unfinished - Nikon reps were keen to stress that it might not perform quite as well as the final shipping cameras, but we're happy to report that with the fast 18.5mm prime attached, autofocus seems extremely fast and positive, even in the poor light of a tradeshow meeting room. The bigger the aperture, the more effective the V2's Hybrid AF system (which uses fast on-sensor phase-detection in good light, falling back on contrast-detection when illumination gets low) should be, and that certainly seems to hold true for this new prime. We should have a production sample of both camera and lens soon, and look forward to doing some real-world shooting.

There's a saying that one of my marketing teachers said that has always stuck with me.

"If you don't get the commercial, you're not the target market."

I especially remember this when I see one of those funky posters in the subway that, "to me", seem "too cluttered", "too messy", and "too disorganized". Looking more closely I see that the product is meant for a "lot younger" target market and have to admit to myself that I'm just getting "too old". [grin]

A smaller sensor makes sense, it provides more depth-of-field and smaller sizes and weights for body and lens. But then, as you need a bag anyway, and you cope with inferior IQ - you'd also want a longer zoom range, like the new class of larger-sensor compacts (LX7, P7700 etc.). If you still have to buy one extra lens for each wideangle and tele, the whole approach make little sense to me.

I have now looked at this camera in several pictures several times while reading about it here. And ... I cant see that it is ugly. Or at least not ... THAT ugly. I think its rather cute. Not maybe an award winning design. But ... who cares?

Its a new Nikon 1 camera with better grip and a VF and faster shooting. Thats all.

And the VF has to be somewhere. You can then either (1) decrease the size of the LCD, (2) increase the size of the entire body or (3) out the VF in a hump. Which one do you prefer the least?

Just so you get a reality check. The absolutely minimal size of a camera body with both a 3 inch LCD and a VF in the body is a NEX7. No matter how small the sensor is.

Actually, the VF is not the cause of the hump, the flash is. Even the V1 has EVF and does not have the same hump because unfortunately it has no pop-up flash. The V1 is smaller because it has no flash, but it has the same display and the same EVF.

Nice looking camera. It looks like a tool and not a fashion accessory to mach your nail polish ( This one does match nicely though) . Built in EVF , nice grip a down scaled proper looking camera. Not something that looks like it needs a job and to grow up a bit and get out of their mothers basement. I wonder if the CAF is further improved on this model as it seems as if Nikon are the only ones to have got it right on MILC so far. One of the things that would be nice is a standard hot shoe.

I agree with you, and I can not for my life understand why Nikon continues this stupidity with the flash hot shoe. It is one big idiotic mistake in my opinion to invent the wheel. With a standard hot shoe it could have been a real nice upgrade from the V1, but now... :(

Can't understand Nikon 1 line, its all-around lens 10-100 is slow (one of the slowest with it's f4,5-5,6) and as bulky and heavy as the AF-S 18-200 VR... Olympus equivalent is half the weight and a lot smaller (not considering it has o cover a near 2 times larger sensor area).Nikon V1 image quality was far from its mirrorles rival, now we have 16MP, sure we need it ? Perhaps leave it at 10MP and improving IQ would have been a better choice...

The 10-100mm that you are comparing is mainly for video. For someone like me who doesn't need smooth zooming then yes, it's way too big and expensive. But for me, I just use my 10mm the majority of the time and it's pretty easy to carry the little 30-110mm as well just in case I do need a method of zoom other than my legs.

Find that this camera is a smart and useful move by Nikon.Among the large gear we want a pocket able camera. Just easily getting along and making reasonable pictures. This V2 fills the growing gap between cell phone cameras and large traditional cameras. Ever better technology solutions will small sensors let shine.Thank you, Nikon, for consequently building new roads to photographic flexibility.

Actualy - the "looks" is OK and preferable to V1 in my opinion. V2 is designed as high-end P&S with it's presumably very good (enough) with electronic automatic controls.For me it would be desirable to have in addition few switches for fast manual setups, as auto-mode is not always right in all circumstances. Maybe V3 will get there next year.

Your coments are perfectly right. My first thought was to have that size camera to be paired with 70-300VRII. I'm glad to hear you have good experience with this setup. So far I did not see any published pictures from V1 with 70-300VRII, and I would like to ask you, if you can post here few pictures taken with this setup? Also, you may want send note to me with the picture or two? - thank you, kenbass.

I wonder how many people complaining about looks and it will never take good pictures has even shot pictures with a V1. Try putting a F mount lens on a V1 and go shoot some pics before complaining it will never take good pics. And as for looks of the camera. I have never had anyone say anything one way or the other about the looks of my gripped D700. Who cares what it looks like as long as it takes good pictures. Who cares what anyone else thinks what the camera looks like. Get over it.

I have a V1 that takes great pictures especially for wildlife. I use a 70-300 VR lens on it and I have a 810MM setup that is great for wildlife. It also takes great pictures with the kit lenses and all of my f mount lenses.

I nearly fell into that trap once myself when buying a Lumix - I'd sorta had in my mind I'd be buying a black camera, but when the sales guy said "We only have the silver ones on stock" I actually found myself hesitating for a half second before I remembered the purpose of it was to take pictures, not pose for them.

So the F Mount has been around since 1959 and still going strong (FX and DX), now we see the 'CX' Mount around these 'digital toy' cameras. I'm reminded of being assured by Kodak in the mid 90's that the way forward was APS.

Whilst 'currently' vested in DX, I will move 'back' to FX (D600/800) once the dust has settled, though Mirrorless DX seems the real way to go in the future, not CX.

If Nikon ever gets it's act together with a D400 I might easily be persuaded to stay DX.

Yes I'm an Affam (Affluent Amateur) - Nikon please don't forget how many of us there are :-)

well, they are intended for different user profiles, right? A low end DSLR with a limited feature set isn't very appealing to those look for a diminutive feature rich second generation 1 inch sensor camera that has uses which a DSLR simply won't work as well.

I think it's asking too much, too, but the price will go down. This is really apples and oranges, as this camera may have a smaller sensor, but has many features that would appeal to pros- the ultra-fast AF, evf, crop of larger lenses, durable build yet small size.

Pentax Q and Q10 have Focuse Peaking via firmware upgrade(free). Also you can mount on them any lens on the earth, with metering and image stabilization. And the best MILC interface ever. DPr will never review them.

Could you please explain what you meant by "you can mount on them any lens on the earth, with metering and image stabilization?" I just checked the Pentax website and noticed no indication of anything like this, but you seem to know a lot about these cameras.

The first generation 1 series cameras were ugly too - and had a horrible user interface. They sold well.If you have a name like Nikon, perhaps it pays to stand out from the crowd - why NOT make the new ones even uglier?

Why no flip screen? So many cool cameras out there now that I don't want because you can't move the direction the screen points. Frustrating...seems such a simple feature to add and for those that get used to getting the camera way from in front of their face, it is indispensable.

I drive an ugly car (by most peoples reckoning) but it's the only one that meets all my functional needs, fits in my undersized garage and can still cruise economically all day at 80MPH when I head to the South of France.

This camera has a unique blend of function, size and performance. If it's what you need, its looks don't matter. For a lot of family photographers this is just about perfect - everything from kids sports to holiday snaps and family videos without needing an SLR or a camcorder.

None of the other CSC cameras come close to Nikon 1's abilities regarding action photography and few match it's all-round video capability either.

It remains to be seen if it actually works for action. J1/V1 were only so-so for continuous AF accuracy, and the tracking AF interface was very kludgy (have to press OK multiple times on the back to engage tracking every time). I found the Sony A37 or A57 to be MUCH better at sports/action continuous AF accuracy, not even close, even though they're bigger cameras. If that's what you're shooting then you should get something at the same price that does the job, not compromise just to save an ounce.

But where the J1/V1 beats anything is shooting video with electronic zoom control with the 10-100mm, having the ability to shoot full res stills during the video could be huge for some purposes. The V1 also has better battery life than any other CSC due to having a massive EN-EL15. For $500 it's a good deal.

V2 is interesting but I'll reserve my judgement till I can test how accurate that AF actually is, not just what they claim...

Well the S37/57 are SLR-type cameras, but with a bit of practice I managed to shoot quite a few action sets on a J1 with reasonable success (in terms of frames in focus). It's not as good as a D700, no. Wasn't expecting that. But it is much more successful than a NEX7.

I get it - with no test results in hand, no sample shots, what can we debate other than appearance? But "ugly" vs."beautiful," "chunky" vs. "sleek?" Taste and style are manufactured, they're not inherent. The old, "Beauty is in the mind of the beholder."

Some folks want a camera that says, "I'm a serious photographer." Resemblance to gear that's already considered "serious" or "professional" is mandatory. Others will think it's sexy once Ashton Kutcher starts modeling the thing in TV ads.

The large, bulging hump on top goes back to the old Nikon F's Photomic viewfinder, a huge kludge for holding then-bulky electronics. The F's original, meter-less viewfinder was a tiny, pyramid-shaped bump above the main camera body. For a while a Photomic was nearly embarrassing, an admission that one wanted built-in exposure-making help. Until a fair number of pros were seen using it. While the prism hump shrank once electronics were built into the body, big is still considered cool.

The predecessor is a popular camera in Japan. I bet this one will sell well also. It looks a bit like a mini dslr...the 'cuteness' factor is absolutely gone with this one, might be a good choice and focus more at the serious photographer in both design and added functionality) with this version.

They made a broader gap between the V and J series with this newer version, good decision I think.

These are great for video and casual stills. The slowdown feature is really sweet. Different market category than other mirrorless cams, not sure why everyone feels compelled to compare it to OM-D or NEX-7 since they are totally different market segments.

Just because two things are the same price doesn't mean they are directly comparable. Comparing a $30K mini-van and a $30K sedan wouldn't make any sense. They are both vehicles to get you from point A to point B but have different functions, looks, features, and target markets.

I was a Nikon user for decades but find this camera series puzzling. Instead, I opted for a Panasonic G3 which is not much larger but with a much larger sensor and a huge array of available moderate and high end optics from Panasonic/Leica/Olympus. Most of which is MIJ whereas Nikon seem to be drifting much more toward Made in China. Am I prejudiced in favour of MIJ. Absolutely. Sorry but Nikon have lost and not regained a very long standing customer with this over-priced effort.

After reading how ugly some people think the V2 is, I thought I would mention I really like it. It appears to be both functional and good looking. However, I fault Nikon for not designing it for use with their standard flash units.

Blood hounds, bulldogs, old trucks, and most of their owners aren't beauties either, but many people are fond of them nonetheless.

The camera could have displayed quite nicely in coarse, chapped hands with plenty of callus, scars, and cracked nails.

Putting appearances aside, the real questions should be what the V2 offers that one can't find on a GF5 m4/3 type camera with a larger sensor, which costs less and is no bigger, or a smaller RX100 with the same sensor, which also costs a bit less.

i think it doesnt matter if you shoot nikon or not. every single lens you own would behave completely different. iam a nikon shooter myself, but what makes my camera big are the lenses, so why would i pick a smaller camera and attach the same sized lenses that i carry in the very same bag that i would carry when taking my d700 with me?

i think when considering small cameras to acompany dslrs it makes no sense to even think about mixing them with the dslr system, because it automatically makes them gearthursty :)

You are also missing one of the other very strong features of this cam DSLR focusing speed and focus tracking that WORKS with the high burst rate. And only the Nex 7 has a built in EVF, EOS-M is a joke unless all you do is landscapes or people sitting completely still. Also like the Nex 7 it is the only one you mention that has a real grip. One more if you go to small it make the cameras ergonomics less usable for a lot of people.

Maybe, I was disappointed with the V1 and got tired of waiting for Nikon to get it act together with their mirrorless camera. If this was out a year ago I would have probably been all over it. I have chosen the Nex system as my light travel and every day cam for now and am very happy with it even more so that Sony and others are getting the lenses rounded out. So I am having fun with my Nikon primes on the Nex and will pass on this one for now.

Aesthetics are subjective, but to me looks like a small, but totally modern DSLR. And all the focus on it's appearance loses sight of the fact that it's packed with cutting edge technology including accurate PDAF, a huge buffer and a class leading 15 fps. Nikon has always excelled at making cameras with superb predictive tracking. Add the 2.7x crop factor and good IQ to these performance gains, and you have a nature/sports shooters dream fun machine.

I believe Nikon CX is an interesting system. Good enough IQ from the 1" sensor. Small and light lenses. Nikon seems to support the mount (4? bodies and 9? lenses on the way). What I don't like much is the trend toward tiny bodies. V2 is smaller than P7700 in every dimension except the height due to the EVF. Is the smaller always better?P7700 vs V2 size: http://j.mp/PvsS1g

Low ISO problem was addressed in the latest V1 firmware update so I assume V2 does not suffer from it. Image review can be cancelled by pressing half-way release button after the shot, but I agree it should be optional in V2.

Are the big players Ca/Ni/So so stupid or deaf and blind? Don't they see the way that Fuji shows in mirorless field? For cell-phones and similar toys there's Apple and Korea toy companies. Have you really understand what PHOTOGRAPHERS want?Try think about this :- big sensor => excellent high ISO IQ- fast prime lens and zoom = > excellent IQ- excellent viewfinder- through 100 years' proved handling design - range-finder style...It's so simple.

I really like this idea - create camera that only serious photographers would buy while keeping away all those who wear it as a pretty accessory on their neck only for a show-off. BTW, in one research a group of kids were asked to pick a favorite car from a line of all kinds of sport/power cars. Almost all of them picked the ugliest, meanest car.

It’s nice Nikon sent a message about the lenses ahead. I have little doubt the sensor and the camera will perform superbly.

I also think it’s a basic mistake Nikon went with this small sensor size. And I don’t like the design no matter how I try. It’s putting off just to look at it.

Again though, the design, the sensor and the overall performance optimization does make sense and goes together.

If this is the only mirrorless design Nikon will attempt, it’s a double basic mistake for going with this style and sensor size.To whom it suits I am sure they will have a great CX performer in many respects if not all. Hynek

No doubt the ugliest-looking camera I have seen in years (or at least since the Pentax K-01, which is pretty in comparison). They should be applauded for making a rather deep and sturdy grip though, many cameras today are slimmed down beyond what is really comfortable. I guess for many people the Nikon-badge is enough for them to overlook the toycam-look. The form factor should make this a much more comfortable camera to use than the previous 1-series cams.

NO, but when competitors can do the same, even better, and look better, styled better still, then that's something Nikon should really cared about .. I applaud what Nikon try to aim for, but I think they are not doing it right. They have sacrifice too much on the ergonomics / size matrix .. and come up with something that's sort of half baked and not good either side of it unfortunately so far I can see , and the sensor size certainly leave some doubt when compared to equally compact ILC that use larger sensors

Quite astonishing how the chorus of whining about the appearance continues. It's very revealing about the overall significance of cameras (and other consumer technology) for many people. Apart from ostentatious horrors like the SonyBlad the only questions are; what are the ergonomics like? and how's the IQ. I look forward to a full test.